Software Engineer Salary in Sacramento
2026 compensation data for Software Engineer positions in Sacramento, CA. Ranges from $82,000 (entry-level) to $236,000 (senior). Median: $147,000.
Median (Mid)
$147,000
$70.67/hr
vs National
+4%
US: $142,000
COL Index
125
vs US avg = 100
Senior Max
$236,000
Top of band
Salary Ranges by Experience Level
Detailed Compensation Breakdown
| Level | Annual Min | Annual Median | Annual Max | Hourly (Median) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) | $82,000 | $100,000 | $121,000 | $48.08/hr |
| Mid-Level (3–5 yrs) | $121,000 | $147,000 | $173,000 | $70.67/hr |
| Senior (6+ yrs) | $168,000 | $200,000 | $236,000 | $96.15/hr |
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A mid-level software engineer earning $147,000 in Sacramento has the same buying power as $118,000 in an average US city, after adjusting for the local cost of living (COL index 125).
Cost of living comparisons use a base of 100 (US national average). Higher index = higher housing, transport, and consumer prices.
About Software Engineer Salaries in Sacramento
Design, build, and maintain software systems across the full stack. This page covers software engineer compensation specifically in Sacramento, CA.
The median software engineer salary in Sacramento, CA is $147,000 for mid-level professionals, which is 4% above the national median. With a cost of living index of 125 (national average = 100), Sacramento offers a moderate cost of living with competitive salaries.
Entry-level software engineers in Sacramento can expect to earn between $82,000 and $121,000 (about $48.08/hour), while senior professionals with 6+ years of experience earn up to $236,000 ($236K annually, or about $113.46/hour).
These figures represent base salary only and do not include bonuses, equity, or benefits, which can add 20–50% to total compensation — especially at technology companies and in competitive markets like Sacramento.
Frequently Asked Questions: Software Engineer Salary in Sacramento
What is the average Software Engineer salary in Sacramento?+
The average Software Engineer salary in Sacramento is $147,000 for a mid-level professional (3–5 years of experience). Entry-level pay starts around $100,000 and senior-level pay reaches $200,000.
How much does an entry-level software engineer make in Sacramento?+
Entry-level software engineers in Sacramento earn between $82,000 and $121,000, with a median of $100,000 per year (about $48.08/hour).
What is the hourly rate for a Software Engineer in Sacramento?+
Based on a 2,080-hour work year, a Software Engineer in Sacramento earns roughly $48.08/hour at entry-level, $70.67/hour at mid-level, and $96.15/hour at senior-level.
Is the Software Engineer salary in Sacramento higher than the US average?+
Yes — Software Engineer salaries in Sacramento are about 4% higher than the US national median of $142,000.
Does this include bonuses or equity?+
No — these figures are base salary only. Total compensation (base + bonus + equity + benefits) is typically 20–50% higher, and can be 2–3x at top technology and finance employers.
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